Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra is known for making bold career choices, with one notable decision being the selection of Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ over Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’. This significant decision not only highlights Chopra’s preference for content-driven cinema but also reflects the dynamic nature of Bollywood casting. The role she turned down in ‘Animal’ eventually went to Rashmika Mandanna, who faced criticism for her portrayal. As Parineeti Chopra celebrates her birthday on October 22, it’s worth taking a look at how her career has unfolded and the impact of her choices on her professional journey.
Having begun her Bollywood career in the romantic comedy ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’, Parineeti Chopra quickly rose to fame with her breakout role in ‘Ishaqzaade’. This film saw her star alongside Arjun Kapoor, earning her not only critical acclaim but also a National Film Award. Her role as Zoya, a spirited tomboy caught in the crossfires of familial conflict, left an indelible mark on audiences. Following this success, she continued to build a diverse portfolio with films such as ‘Saina’, ‘Golmaal Again’, ‘Kesari’, and ‘The Girl on the Train’, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Despite this impressive filmography, few realize that Parineeti was the initial choice for the female lead in ‘Animal’, a major blockbuster of 2023. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, ‘Animal’ explored a complex father-son relationship through the character of Ranvijay Singh, played by Ranbir Kapoor, who seeks vengeance following an assassination attempt on his father. The film’s intense storyline and a stellar cast, including Anil Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Bobby Deol, Shakti Kapoor, and Prem Chopra, contributed to its massive success. Yet, the movie was not without its controversies, facing criticism for the portrayal of women, and Rashmika Mandanna, who took on the role initially offered to Parineeti, encountered significant trolling for her performance.
Parineeti’s decision to opt for ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ was driven by her instinct for roles that resonate with her personal and artistic sensibilities.
. In an interview with India Today, she candidly explained, “These things happen, it is a part and parcel of life. We must make such choices every day. You make the choice that is right for you.” Her choice underscores her commitment to characters and stories that she feels passionately about and believes in, something she prioritized even over a potentially high-grossing commercial project like ‘Animal’.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga openly acknowledged the complexities of casting choices, admitting his fault in the situation during a conversation with Komal Nahta. He expressed his admiration for Parineeti’s acting, revealing his long-standing desire to work with her on various projects, including ‘Kabir Singh’. Describing his casting process as instinctive rather than audition-based, Vanga’s remarks highlight not only his respect for Chopra’s talent but also the challenges filmmakers face when aligning artistic vision with casting dynamics.
‘Animal’ went on to gather significant attention and commercial success, grossing over Rs 800 crore at the box office. It was further cemented in cinematic history with a post-credits scene that teased a sequel, ‘Animal Park’, hinting at a potential double-role for Ranbir Kapoor. Kapoor’s performance earned him the Best Actor Award (Male) at the 69th edition of the Filmfare Awards, underscoring the critical acclaim parallel to the movie’s financial triumph.
As Parineeti Chopra continues to celebrate her achievements and contributions to Bollywood, her decision to pursue roles that align with her artistic journey remains central to her appeal as an actress. Her career trajectory reflects an artist unafraid to make choices that go against the conventional grain, a reflection of her confidence in her skills and the stories she chooses to tell. With projects like ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ under her belt, Parineeti seems well-equipped to further her reputation as a dynamic force in the film industry.
